Chester establishes arts, culture district

By LORETTA RODGERS

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

CHESTER -- Council, via resolution, unanimously established an "Historic Arts and Culture District," which will encompass the following areas: 12th and Madison streets; U.S. Route 291; Welsh Street; West Seconnd Street; Sproul Street; West Ninth Street; Penn Street; Edgmont Avenue; West Ninth Street, including Deshong Park; and the Avenue of the States intersection.

City council believes culture and the arts are essential elements of Chester's overall economic development and believes strong and sustainable arts events will contribute to the health of the local economy.

The resolution states that the city will support cultural institutions that are high performing and adequately endowed and supported by the community.

Mayor John Linder said the purpose of the resolution is to establish a designated area for arts and culture.

"This does not cost the city anything," said Linder. "We can advertise the area as an arts and cultural district and therefore we are not restricted."

The resolution explains that artists will be assisted via communitywide marketing to assure participation in the hopes of attracting employment, tourism, new residents and businesses to the city.